Global Semiconductors Market Outlook, 2029

Market Dynamic

Market Drivers

• Technological advancements and innovation: The rapid rate of technical improvement and innovation is a major driver of the global semiconductor market. The semiconductor industry is distinguished by an ongoing search for smaller, more efficient, and more powerful devices. Moore's Law, which states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years, has served as a guiding concept. The semiconductor market has grown in response to the need for cutting-edge technologies like 5G communication, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Manufacturers are constantly under pressure to design and create semiconductors that can meet the changing needs of diverse industries, adding to the market's long-term growth.

• Rising demand for electronic devices: The widespread integration of electronic devices into all aspects of modern life has resulted in an insatiable global demand for semiconductors. Semiconductors are the basic components that power smartphones and computers, as well as smart appliances and wearable devices. The growing interconnectedness and digitization of different industries, including healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing, adds to the demand. Consumer expectations for more complex and feature-rich electronic products continue to climb, resulting in constant and solid demand for semiconductor products.

Market Challenges

• Supply chain disruptions: The ongoing possibility of supply chain disruptions is one of the most serious concerns confronting the global semiconductor sector. This issue has risen to prominence in recent years, exacerbated by incidents such as the COVID-19 epidemic. The semiconductor industry is built on sophisticated, internationally integrated supply chains that source crucial components and materials from many countries. Any disturbance, whether caused by a global health crisis, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or other unforeseen occurrences, can result in severe delays in manufacturing and essential semiconductor component shortages. This vulnerability has highlighted the need for semiconductor manufacturers to develop more resilient and diverse supply chain methods.

• Shortages and high demand: The semiconductor market has faced continuous shortages, particularly in light of rising worldwide demand. The expansion of electronic gadgets, the introduction of 5G technology, and the growing use of artificial intelligence and IoT applications have all contributed to an unprecedented demand for advanced semiconductors. However, semiconductor makers have had problems increasing production to satisfy this demand. The complex manufacturing methods and time necessary to develop new production facilities make it difficult for the sector to respond promptly to demand spikes. This supply-demand imbalance has resulted in growing competition among businesses for semiconductor resources, as well as calls for more investment in production capacity.

Market Trends

• Technological advancements and shrinking semiconductor nodes: One notable trend in the global semiconductor market is the continual pursuit of technological advances, particularly smaller semiconductor nodes. As manufacturers strive for increased efficiency and performance, the size of transistors and other semiconductor components has consistently decreased. The transition to smaller nodes, such as 7nm and 5nm, has enabled the development of processors that are not only more compact but also more energy-efficient. This trend is being driven by the need for increased processing power, longer battery life in mobile devices, and a general desire for more powerful and efficient computing solutions across industries.

• Automotive industry's growing reliance on semiconductors: The automotive industry's growing reliance on semiconductor components is a significant trend affecting the semiconductor market. Modern vehicles use a wide range of semiconductor-based technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), entertainment systems, and electric vehicle components. The increased demand for electric vehicles, combined with the integration of self-driving technologies, has resulted in an increase in semiconductor requirements from the automotive industry. This has highlighted the importance of effective supply chain management and strategic alliances in addressing the unique problems of the automotive semiconductor sector.

Covid-19 Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence on the worldwide semiconductor industry, disrupting the supply chain and changing market dynamics. Factory closures, workforce difficulties, and international trade and travel restrictions all contributed to a slowdown in semiconductor output. Simultaneously, increased demand for electronics, remote work technology, and healthcare-related gadgets caused a supply-demand imbalance. The automotive industry, a key consumer of semiconductors, experienced manufacturing delays as a result of chip shortages. As a result, semiconductor makers and their clients had to adjust to a fast shifting landscape, emphasizing the importance of resilient supply chains, intelligent inventory management, and improved collaboration in navigating the pandemic's uncertainties.

Key Development

• The Indian government has recently announced to boost its manufacturing capacity for semiconductors. The government has also launched a program ‘Semicon’ to promote the production of semiconductors in the country with an outlay of Rs.76,000 crore.
• The CHIPS Act 2022 by the United States government includes $52 billion for chip manufacturing, the act also offers incentives and tax credit for semiconductor manufacturing companies. The element under this act is supposed to support the production and manufacturing of semiconductor chips by strengthening the nation’s semiconductor market.
• According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the United States exported $61.1 billion in semiconductors in 2022.
• Intel, one of the most prominent manufacturers of semiconductor chips stated in January 2023 that it has invested $20 billion in two new semiconductor chips factories in Ohio.
• In 2022, China established total 433 new companies for chip design and production. The total sales of Chinese semiconductor companies increased to $573 billion.
• In March 2023, the United States exported semiconductor devices to Mexico worth 125 million.
• The Canadian government has planned to spend $181.94 million on the country’s domestic semiconductor production industry.